Swainson's Thrush
Catharus ustulatus
Summary 3
Grayer overall than most of its North American relatives, Swainson’s Thrush (7 inches) is most easily separated from a similar species, the Gray-cheeked Thrush, by its buff-brown cheeks and conspicuous eye-rings. Other field marks include a spotted breast, pink legs, and a medium-length bill. Male and female Swainson’s Thrushes are similar to one another in all seasons. The Swainson’s Thrush breeds in Alaska and across a wide swath of central and southern Canada. Smaller numbers are found south of the Canadian border, particularly along the Pacific coast and at higher elevations in the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains. Swainson’s Thrush winters in southern Mexico and Central America south to Argentina. In summer, Swainson’s Thrush breeds primarily in evergreen forests dominated by spruce and fir trees. During the winter, this species inhabits wet tropical forests. On migration, Swainson’s Thrush may be found in a variety of habitats with dense undergrowth available for foraging and cover. Many North American birders never travel far south enough to see Swainson’s Thrush in winter. This species is much easier to observe in summer and on migration, although it is more often heard than seen due to its preference for habitats with thick vegetation. Swainson’s Thrush may be observed foraging food while hopping along the forest floor or through the branches of trees. Swainson’s Thrush is most active during the day, but, like many migratory songbirds, this species migrates at night.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Alejandro Bayer Tamayo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/alejobayer/15643659754/
- (c) Jei Pov, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/116663858@N03/16381167646/
- Adapted by L.G. Johanson from a work by (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/33118748
More Info
Range Map
iNaturalist.ca Map
| Bird | Thrushes (Turdidae) |
|---|---|
| Animal | Bird |
| Color | brown, white |
